Autism - don't give up!!!

[Guest guest]

I am writing this in regards to autism, but it goes for any

condition that a child has....

There are too many doctors these days who just give up on a child

and tell the parents the worst case scenario. It is almost

impossible in most cases to tell whether or not a child, at the

preschool level, is going to be able to function independently. It

is really up to the education people, as well as some psychologists

if necessary, to try to bring the child up to his/her potential. I

have taught my share of autistic children and have been able to

watch them learn, grow and become functioning, independent adults.

Some get married, have families and have good jobs. Some choose to

remain single, yet independent. A few, unfortunately, do not reach

that level and must have continuous supervision. But to give up on

an autistic child, or any special needs child, is just inexcusable.

I had the fortune to spend the past few days with a friend and her

RSS son. He was born at 25 weeks gestation and just over 1.5

pounds. The doctor did not even want to give him a birth

certificate because he was convinced that the baby would not

survive. Well, he is now 17 and a lovely young man. He is a

lifeguard, an excellent surfer, a fire fighter, driving a car,

working, going to school, etc. You would never, ever know what he

experienced. His parents did not give up on him and he is just

great to be around.

And Max's good friend is autistic. He has his " quirks, " but so does

Max. They get along well, talk on the phone, get together and have

a good time. I'm sure he will be on his own someday. His sister,

on the other hand, is much more involved and will probably never be

on her own. (She is 11 and he is 15.) The spectrum is broad and

always changing.

Do not give up. Change doctors.

Jodi Z.